$105 million in grants awarded to states, territories for 988 launch

Fifty-four states and territories received grants from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to aid with the transition of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to 988, the newly established three-digit dialing code available nationwide beginning July 16. A total of $105 million in grant funding was made available through the American Rescue Plan, according to HHS. Funding can be used to improve response rates; increase capacity to meet future demand; ensure calls initiated in their states or territories are first routed to local, regional or state crisis call centers; or build workforce necessary for enhancing local text and chat response.